Grant Recipient Stories
Philip Grob – Blacksmiths
Philip’s blacksmith business in Nether Wallop provides bespoke ironwork for a range of projects including original commissions, commercial projects and professional restorations. It offers hand forged bespoke ironwork for commercial, residential and agricultural customers including jobs such as steel fabrication, original design work, forging, and fitting.
The business started back in 2006 with a hand cranked World War 2 portable forge in a lean-to in Philip’s parent’s garden in Nether Wallop. Philip had realised that office 9 – 5 work in London was not for him and he left back to his roots in the countryside. He obtained some work experience with a farrier, while working in the pub in the evenings. While with the farrier, he was asked to help out with the farriers father who was an ornamental blacksmith. This is where he discovered the variety of jobs blacksmiths are asked to make and found this more appealing.
Philip applied to Test Valley Borough Council for a small Business Incentive Grant which helped to pay for his anvil, a piece of equipment he still uses every day. He discovered he had a market for his products and obtained planning permission to build a forge at his parent’s house, where he operated for over ten years. Then four years ago, as the business continued to thrive, Philip relocated to his current premises at a farm in Nether Wallop, and went into partnership with his wife, Rosanagh who has taken on the accounting side of the business.
Wind on to 2024 and there was another opportunity to expand. Over the years, Philip had taken a number of work experience students, and this year it was Hannah’s turn. Hannah had been doing a forging course with the aim of becoming a farrier’s apprentice, and she needed a week’s work experience to finish her course. She had the fortune to secure a placement with Philip. Hannah stood out from previous students for her attitude and work ethic as well as having the same back story as Philip with wanting to become a farrier. The week was extended, and turned into full-time employment as a trainee blacksmith.
Two blacksmiths can take on larger commissions that require more hands. However, Philip only had a single welding table that he and Hannah needed to share. By a stroke of good luck, Philip’s wife Rosanagh read about Test Valley’s Rural England Prosperity Fund grants while there was still a small amount of money available. Philip and Rosanagh successfully applied for funding to buy a large new welding table. Now Philip and Hannah each have a dedicated work area and the two tables can be joined for large projects such as staircase railings and fencing.